Leonhardt signs with Vikings

[Lee Borgersen]

FOOTBALL: Former Beaver Leonhardt signs with Vikings

 Today at 12:16 p.m.
 
Brian Leonhardt is returning to Minnesota.
The former Bemidji State tight end signed with his hometown Minnesota Vikings for a one-year, $600,000 contract, ESPN reported Friday afternoon.


Leonhardt, 25, was released by the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 22. He’s entering his fourth year in the league after going undrafted out of BSU in 2013.

“It’s a nice deal for him,” BSU head coach Jeff Tesch said. “A local boy, it will be great for BSU to get to see him play. It’s a good deal.”

Tesch said he had talked to Leonhardt recently after he was released by the San Francisco 49ers and knew the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Leonhardt had some other offers on the table, but didn’t know the Vikings were in the mix. Leonhardt played for new Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano in San Francisco.

The former Beaver has appeared in 16 NFL games for the 49ers and the Oakland Raiders and should add some tight end depth behind Kyle Rudolph. With backup tight end Rhett Ellison still rehabbing from a knee injury, Leonhardt could be in the mix for a full-time roster spot.

Leonhardt confirmed the signing on his Twitter account shortly after it was reported: “Couldn’t be happier signing with the Vikings today. Now I gotta make up to lift I missed this morning. #work”



Brian Leonhardt makes a catch during a preseason game with the Oakland Raiders in 2013. Leonhardt, a former Bemidji State tight end, signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Friday afternoon. USA Today Sports | File Photo
                                 

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Reinhard]

Nice to see him on the team.  I've been a Viking fan since the team started out.  We have a coach and staff now to be better every year.  Should be a great 2016 season in the new stadium.  good luck.

[Boar]

Yup, i hears were were after him. need beef up our O line and get a nother reciever and we will be in good shape. really looking foward to this season. yougblood thats hungry.